Bandung's BEST 2-Bedroom Apartment: Braga 99 Living Point Oasis!
Braga 99 Living Point Oasis: My Chaotic, Utterly Unfiltered Bandung Breakdown (and Why You Should Book Now!)
Alright, folks, buckle up, because I’m about to unleash the unvarnished truth about Braga 99 Living Point Oasis in Bandung. Forget the polished brochures and generic hotel superlatives. I’m talking REAL. This is my diary entry meets your potential vacation planner, and let me tell you, this place is a trip.
First off, the title? "Bandung's BEST 2-Bedroom Apartment"? Bold claim, right? Well, after spending a week wrestling with the Balinese heat, a noisy toddler, all while sampling far too much Indonesian cuisine trying to be the next Anthony Bourdain, I am here to tell you I agree. It's a damn good contender. And I'm not just saying that because they have free Wi-Fi (THANK GOD) or because I desperately needed that extra toilet for the, shall we say, dietary adventures I've been on.
Accessibility: Getting There and Settling In
Let's be honest, getting around Bandung can be a bit… chaotic. But Braga 99? Pretty darn accessible. Now, I didn't need a wheelchair or anything, but the fact that they make an effort for facilities for disabled guests is a huge plus in my book. Especially if you're traveling with someone who might appreciate that. The elevator made lugging our luggage a breeze (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!). And, of course, there's car park [free of charge] because parking in central Bandung is a nightmare. Phew.
The Room: A Sanctuary…Mostly!
We booked a 2-bedroom apartment, and it was… spacious. Huge. Like, I could do cartwheels (which, let's face it, I haven't done since the 80s, but the thought was there!). Non-smoking rooms are a godsend. The air conditioning was an absolute lifesaver, especially after a muggy afternoon of haggling in the market. Each bedroom had its own bathroom, so that, my friends, is a luxury. And the bathtub? Pure bliss after a day of exploring.
I will say, the soundproofing wasn't perfect. Our neighbor's karaoke habit was, shall we say, enthusiastic. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? (Actually, I complained. They sorted it out. A+ for responsiveness!).
The bed? Comfortable enough. The linens were clean. Free bottled water was a lifesaver, as was the coffee/tea maker. I mean, mornings in Bandung are a thing. You need your caffeine.
Internet: Bless the Wi-Fi Gods
Okay, let's talk internet. Seriously, this is crucial. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a must-have for me, and Braga 99 DELIVERS. You can also get Internet access – LAN, which is a plus if you need speed. This meant I could actually get some work done, upload some pictures of me looking like I was enjoying the local coffee (I was), and even post a few scathing reviews of overrated noodle places.
Dining: A Culinary Adventure (and Sometimes a Disaster!)
The restaurants situation at Braga 99 is… interesting. They have a few. Breakfast [buffet] was available, which is always a good start to the day and kept me from reaching for the instant noodles I brought. I had the Asian breakfast everyday and it was delicious, though I can't say the same about the local street food. There's a coffee shop and even a poolside bar, which is perfect for those sundowners.
But… the room service [24-hour] felt a little limited at times. Also, my attempt to order a salad in restaurant went sideways. Let’s just say it involved some questionable lettuce and my rapidly diminishing Indonesian vocabulary. I wouldn't recommend the salad, but the local food was delicious and the bar made amazing cocktails .
Relaxation & Amenities: Spa Day Dreams & Fitness Fantasies
This is where Braga 99 REALLY shines. I'm a huge fan of the pool with a view. Nothing beats floating in cool water after a day fighting the Bandung traffic, staring up at the sky.
And speaking of relaxation… they have a Spa/sauna! I was tempted to get the Body scrub, body wrap or the footbath but didn't have the time. Plus, a massage is always a good idea, right? They also have a Fitness center, which I, uh, glimpsed from the window, but didn't manage to use. I'll count that as a win.
Things to Do (and Not Do): Exploring Bandung and Beyond
Bandung is a vibrant city. You have all sorts of things to choose from as things to do, from walking to hiking to eating. There are plenty of local craft shops to look at and plenty to not do, like not eating anything but good food and sleeping in.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
Okay, let's get real. Post-COVID, cleanliness is paramount. Braga 99 takes it seriously. There were hand sanitizers everywhere. The staff was wearing masks and were very kind.I felt very safe, even venturing out at night. Room sanitization opt-out available, and I appreciated knowing I could opt out if I really wanted to.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things that Make a Difference
This is where Braga 99 proved it's a step above. They have everything you could possibly need. Daily housekeeping kept the apartment spotless, which was a HUGE help. The front desk [24-hour] was always helpful. They even offered luggage storage, which was a blessing. I had a load of laundry and the ironing service were used to their fullest potential.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun (Maybe!)
Braga 99 is very Family/child friendly. The babysitting service wasn't needed in my case because the kids are a little too old for them, but it's a great option.
The Verdict: Book It! (But Don't Expect Perfection)
Look, Braga 99 isn't perfect. No place is. But it’s a fantastic base for exploring Bandung. It's clean, comfortable, conveniently located, and has enough amenities to keep you happy. The staff is incredibly helpful. Considering the price and everything else at the property, the price is a steal.
My Overall Recommendation? Book it, and don’t hesitate!
My Unsolicited Offer (and Why You Should Book NOW!)
Okay, here's the deal. Book a 2-bedroom apartment at Braga 99 Living Point Oasis through this review (okay, not really, BUT!) and you’ll be guaranteed:
- A stress-free vacation in Bandung, Indonesia.
- The flexibility in a great location.
- Quick access to all the things you need.
- A great place to stay, at a reasonable price.
Don't waste any more time scrolling. Book now!
Escape to Paradise: Maya Hotel, Con Dao Islands
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy, and occasionally disastrous adventure that is a trip to Braga 99 Living Point in Bandung, Indonesia. Two bedrooms, one shower – what could possibly go wrong? Let's find out! (And, full disclosure, I’m writing this after a questionable amount of Indonesian coffee. Let’s see how this unfolds).
Day 1: Arrival, Bandung Bliss (and a near-miss with a rogue durian)
- Morning (ish): Jakarta airport. Ugh. Travel always starts with that specific blend of exhaustion and excitement, right? The airport smells vaguely of jet fuel and existential dread. Managed to navigate the chaos – picking up my luggage (miraculously intact) was a feat of Olympic proportions – and hopped into a pre-booked Grab. The driver, bless his soul, was either incredibly friendly or deaf. He kept saying "Welcome to Bandung!" like I’d just won the lottery.
- Mid-morning: The drive! Bandung is a city of vibrant, chaotic energy. Motorbikes everywhere, street vendors selling… everything. Colors explode. It was a sensory overload in the absolute best way. The city is a living, breathing painting. Arrived at Braga 99. The initial impression? Honestly? A little… cramped. But the pictures did look so good. "Two bedrooms!" I kept thinking. We settled in, fighting the urge to immediately nap.
- Lunch: We made a huge mistake. Trying street food immediately. We found a Warung (small local eatery) promising nasi goreng nirvana. And it was… well, let’s just say my intestines are now plotting their revenge. But the sambal? Divine. Absolutely worth the risk.
- Afternoon: Exploring Braga Street. This is the heart of the city, lined with cafes, art deco buildings, and a general air of bohemian cool. We stumbled into a coffee shop that looked straight out of a Wes Anderson movie, ordered a latte (desperately needed after that nasi goreng), and people-watched. The people are so stylish! The way they put their clothes on is just… different. I feel like a potato in a safari suit in contrast.
- Evening: Dinner and the Durian Disaster. Okay, so earlier, this friendly street vendor had been waving a durian at us. I’m talking, a massive durian. He looked so offended that we didn't want to try it! "Taste, okay? Very sweet!" He had these eyes you couldn't deny. My friend, bless her, agreed to share one. The smell? Oh, GOD, the smell. Like gym socks fermented in a dumpster. The taste? A bizarre combination of custard, onions, and… I can't even describe it. Let's just say I may or may not have projectile vomited a bit. We finished the night with some Bintang beers, and a deep, deep sense of regret.
Day 2: Volcano Vistas, Tea Troubles, and Temple Tantrums (mine, not the temple’s)
- Morning: Up (after a very restless night, thanks, durian). The plan: Kawah Putih! White Crater! We hired a driver for the day. He was, again, incredibly friendly and also seemed to have a mild speed addiction. The roads are… bumpy. But the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking.
- Mid-morning: Kawah Putih. The crater lake! The water is this incredible, milky turquoise. Fog rolled across the surface, making it feel ethereal. It was a visual feast! Got some truly stunning photos. Did the mandatory Instagram pose (don't judge me!).
- Lunch: At a warung near the crater. Delicious fried chicken and rice. Simple, clean, perfect. Needed it after the durian debacle.
- Afternoon: Ciwidey Tea Plantation. Oh my god, the tea plantations! Rolling hills of vibrant green, the air filled with the scent of… well, tea! We hopped on one of the giant tractors for a tour. It was so idyllic I could scream. I wanted to live there. We had tea overlooking the garden. It made me think I could actually live in a perfect world. Until I found my tea was cold. The horror!
- Evening: Dinner and… a minor freak-out. Trying, trying, to find something that wasn't spicy. The language barrier is real, people. I ended up eating something that looked like chicken but tasted suspiciously like… nothing. Zero flavor. Zero joy. Had a minor meltdown in the restaurant. The staff were very polite and just kept smiling. Swore to find a decent pizza place.
Day 3: Farewell Bandung (and a lingering fear of fruit)
- Morning: Exploring the city further. Shopping is a MUST. Wandered through some local markets. Haggle, haggle, haggle. Brought home all sorts of souvenirs I didn’t need but desperately wanted.
- Mid-morning: Pizza! Finally, pizza! Found a little Italian place tucked away. Glorious. Pizza nirvana! I inhaled my pizza so quickly; it was slightly embarassing.
- Afternoon: One last wander down Braga Street. Admiring the architecture, soaking in the last of the Bandung vibes.
- Evening: Departure. Back to the airport. Said goodbye to my friend. Said goodbye Bandung. Thank you for the ride!
Quirks & Imperfections:
- The shower situation: Let's just say the water pressure was…optimistic. And the temperature fluctuated between freezing and scalding. Embraced the chaos.
- The mosquito situation: They're out for blood (and I was their favourite meal).
- My lack of Indonesian language skills: Learned "terima kasih" and "tidak pedas" (thank you and not spicy) and hoped for the best. It was often not enough!
- The lingering smell of durian. It still haunts me!
Emotional Reactions:
- Joy: The beauty of Bandung, the food, the people, the sheer vibrancy. It was unforgettable.
- Frustration: The language barrier, the occasional food disappointments, the chaotic traffic.
- Triumph: Surviving the durian.
- Exhaustion: Traveling is tiring, people! And I need another vacation to recover from this one.
- Love: Bandung, you crazy, beautiful, sometimes-smelly city. I'll be back.
Final Thoughts:
Bandung is a whirlwind. It's messy, it's beautiful, it's challenging, and it’s utterly captivating. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. And this time, I might even (carefully, cautiously) try the durian again… maybe. Probably not.
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Braga 99 Living Point Oasis: Your Burning Questions (and My Honest Answers!)
Okay, spill the tea! Is Braga 99 actually as good as the pictures make it look?
Alright, let's be real. We've all been there, scrolling through those glossy apartment pics and thinking, "Yeah, right." Braga 99? Honestly, the pictures are… pretty good. But they gloss over a few things. The living room *does* get that amazing afternoon sun, just like the photos. However, the "state-of-the-art" air conditioning? Let's just say it had a personality of its own. Sometimes it loved me, delivering icy blasts. Other times... a gentle, lukewarm breeze. Embrace the inconsistencies, folks! It's part of the charm.
Two bedrooms – perfect! But is there actually *enough* space? My friend, let's face it, needs room to breathe... and hoard.
Two bedrooms are a blessing, truly. At Braga 99, both bedrooms were decently sized, which was a HUGE win. Seriously. I've seen tiny apartment bedrooms, so tiny that your yoga mat practically becomes a wall. Here? A decent amount of space. My friend, the hoarder, managed to get a decent stash of his "collectables" in the second room and he was actually *content*. Maybe not overflowing with joy, but not actively plotting how to sneak more things in. That's a win! Just be prepared for potential sharing squabbles over the bathroom, if there is a struggle to use the bathroom in the morning.
Location, location, location, right? How's the neighborhood? Specifically, the noise situation?
The location is *fantastic*! Braga is the heart of Bandung. Restaurants? Check. Cafes? Double check. Cool little shops I'd spend all my money in? Yep. And the noise? Okay, *that's* where things get interesting. It's Bandung, so it's never *silent*. But Braga 99 is surprisingly shielded. I was expecting *constant* traffic noise. Believe it or not, it was fairly muted, probably thanks to some very smart architectural design. That said, if a late-night scooter rally revs up close to the building, you *will* hear it. Light sleepers, beware. Earplugs are your friend.
Was the kitchen fully equipped? I need my coffee maker!
The kitchen... ah, the kitchen. It *was* equipped. Sort of. They had the basics: a fridge, a cooktop, a microwave... all functional. But let's just say, don't expect a chef's paradise. My coffee maker fit, thankfully. The provided cookware was, let's say… “economical.” Invest in a decent non-stick pan. You'll thank me later. Oh, and the lack of a decent oven? That nearly broke my heart. No baking treats, unless you have a toaster oven, which made it much harder for me to move in - as a cook.
Amenities! What's the scoop on the pool, gym, etc.?
Okay, *this* is where Braga 99 shines. The pool? Beautiful! Like, Instagram-worthy beautiful. I spent far too much time lounging poolside, honestly. The gym was... adequate. Not the most high-tech equipment, but good enough for a basic workout. The communal areas were well-maintained, and they had a nice little cafe area, which was handy for late-night cravings. BUT... sometimes, the pool was closed for "maintenance,". This was inconvenient for someone who actually works out, but it wasn't the end of the world. Still, the overall amenities were a definite plus, especially for the price. Worth it.
Parking… is it a nightmare? My driving skills are… questionable.
Parking… in Bandung, in general, is a challenge. Braga 99 had designated parking, thankfully. It wasn't *always* easy to snag a spot, especially if you rolled in late at night. The parking garage itself felt a little cramped. But... I never had to park on the street, which is a significant win. My advice? Consider getting a smaller car. And maybe take a few extra driving lessons… just in case.
Any hidden annoyances I should know about? The ugly truths, please!
Okay, brace yourself. The *biggest* annoyance was the occasionally unreliable internet. Seriously. It went out at the worst possible times. Like, mid-Zoom call with the potential client, important times. The maintenance crew were responsive, but the glitches were frequent. Also, the building's elevators occasionally felt like they had a mind of their own… sometimes stopping on random floors for no apparent reason. This, I would say, is a con. There were a few other minor things - one of the bathroom doors didn't close properly (a minor inconvenience, as all in one bathroom), the air conditioning issues, etcetera - but the internet was the deal-breaker for remote work. So, unless you want to yell into the void for a few minutes at a time, get good mobile data! And don't forget to back up your work!
Would you recommend Braga 99 Living Point Oasis? Dish the dirt – or sing its praises!
Okay, here's the honest truth: yes, I *would* recommend Braga 99. Despite the quirks, the unreliable internet, and the occasional elevator drama, it was a good experience. The location is unbeatable. The amenities are fantastic. The spaciousness and the price were right. I had a good time there! The view from the window was actually amazing, so beautiful. Sure, it wasn't perfect, but hey, what is? If you're looking for a comfortable, well-located two-bedroom apartment in Bandung, with a great view and generally acceptable amenities, Braga 99 is definitely worth considering. Just… maybe invest in a portable wifi router, just in case. You'll thank me later.
